Play is the way children learn about themselves and the world. Through play, they learn to get along with others, sort out conflicts, practice language skills, and develop small (fine) and large (gross) motor skills. In addition, play encourages independence, self-esteem, and creativity!

“A wonderful cycle of learning is driven by the pleasures of play. A child is curious; she explores and discovers. The discovery brings pleasure; the pleasure leads to repetition and practice. Practice brings mastery; mastery brings the pleasure and confidence to once again act on curiosity. All learning—emotional, social, motor, and cognitive—is accelerated and facilitated by repetition fueled by the pleasure of play.” –Copple and Bredekamp, 2009

Here are just a few of the benefits of play:

Play is essential for healthy brain development

Play sparks creativity and curiosity

Play is critical for expanding cognitive, language, social-emotional, and motor skills

Play is relevant and meaningful to the child

Play facilitiates productive and appropriate social interactions with peers and adults

Play is a dynamic process

Play experiences provide learning opportunities

Play helps children gain a better understanding of the world around them

Play offers children a variety of opportunities for testing boundaries and exploring risks

Play provides children with opportunties to make choices and exercise control over their actions

Play provides sensory rich experiences

Play fosters self-esteem

Play is fun

So turn off the screens and pull out your favorite board game or that deck of cards that’s at the bottom of the toy box. Throw a sheet over the table to make a cozy tent. Put on a talent show or play in your living room. Play hide and seek with the little ones and charades with the older kids.

Information provided by "The Power of Play: Effective Play-Based Therapy and Early Intervention"

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